In April 1990, Sir Geoffrey Pattie was appointed Party Vice-Chairman with special responsibility for building up the Party's relations with like-minded parties across Europe, with a particular focus on the 'new democracies' of Central and Eastern Europe following the dissolution of the Soviet Union's Eastern Bloc. In May 1992, Sir Geoffrey became Vice-Chairman with overall responsibility for international relations. He was consequently also appointed Chairman of the International Office.

Sir Geoffrey was also heavily involved in the European Democrat Union (EDU) and served as chairman on a number of its primary committees. For the papers of these committees, see COB 7/4/1/5-8.